What Things Should Never Go Into Your Dumpster?

Deposit photosWondering whether that plastic bottle of cleaning spray can go into the dumpster? At your work place, employees and visitors are wondering similar questions all the time. Find out what items can’t be thrown away and post a list near dumpsters to prevent messy and dangerous situations!

Toxic Chemicals

Items that contain hazardous chemicals include batteries, electronics, and light bulbs. Many household cleaners and hygiene products also contain chemicals that should not be put into landfills.

Flammable Materials

Dumpster fires might start with a match or cigarette butt, but the fuel typically comes from flammable waste thrown into the dumpster. These include oil, lubricants, paint, and fuels including gasoline, butane, and propane.

In restaurants and commercial kitchens, tell staff to never discard oil-soaked rags or aprons. These should be soaked in water first or taken to a hazardous waste drop-off.

Items That Are Illegal to Throw Away

Many of the above items are prohibited by local laws and the rules of your waste removal service. Other illegal or banned items may include sharps, thermometers, smoke detectors, tires, and treated lumber.

Some cities have begun outlawing food waste in the trash, making compost bins mandatory. Stay ahead of the game so your business is prepared for any new environmental rules on the horizon!

Use a Dumpster Mover for Convenience

Dumpsters come with many rules, regulations, and safety concerns. Make things simple with a dumpster mover that just one employee can use.

Our WasteCaddy dumpster mover can tow 5,000 pounds, while the WasteCaddyLite can push a standard commercial dumpster weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Contact us if you’d like a free demo!

How “The Airbnb of Warehouses” Is Revolutionizing E-Commerce

Deposit photosThe boom in e-commerce has challenged retailers, who have limited warehouse space. A company dubbed “the Airbnb of warehouses” has stepped in to provide companies with a cost-effective solution.

Have Warehouse, Will Rent

The founders of Seattle-based Flexe were inspired by the offhand complaint of a friend who was struggling to acquire adequate warehouse space for his online business. They began by offering an “overflow” service pairing companies that had unused warehouse space with others that needed temporary storage.

Less than five years later, Flexe has 25 million square feet of storage and expects to add 10 million more in 2017. With zero dollars invested in facilities, Flexe can boast of better geographic coverage than industry titan Amazon.

More Solutions for E-Commerce Companies

In 2016 Flexe added online fulfillment services, which allows warehouse operators to charge additional prices to ship orders directly to customers. This has been an attractive option for companies who want the speedy shipping Amazon provides but still want a direct relationship with customers.

Flexe took another step forward in May when it launched an overnight delivery service. As the company’s co-founder Karl Siebrecht explains, e-retailers can now compete with Amazon Prime in price and delivery while continuing to build their own brand.

Streamline Operations with Warehouse Tugs from DJ Products

Customer satisfaction depends on timely movement of products through the supply chain. Electric warehouse tugs like our popular CartCaddyShorty let a single employee safely move loads up to 3,000 pounds through tight quarters and up and down inclines.

Visit our website and use the online chat feature for real-time assistance from one of our sales engineers.

Got to Move a Heavy Dumpster – Use Our Safe Lifting and Pushing Tips

Heavy Dumpster PushingIf you need your employees to move a dumpster, there’s always a risk of injury. Without a dumpster pusher, it’s important to understand how to safely maneuver the dumpster without causing any physical strains or injuries.

To help, we would like to share some safe lifting tips with you. Here are some guidelines in the event that you aren’t sure how to keep yourself or your employees protected during heavy moves.

DJ Products Offers These Safe Lifting Tips

Preventing injury is often easy once you know the proper techniques. If you don’t have a dumpster pusher in house, you should focus on these safe lifting tips:

  • Take a moment to think about the move before you start.
  • Try to keep the weight as close to your waist as possible.
  • Find a stable position to stand before attempting the lift.
  • Make sure you have a tight hold on the load.
  • Lift with your legs. Avoid lifting with your back.
  • Don’t twist your body when you lift.
  • Look ahead and keep moving smoothly.
  • Don’t lift more than you can handle.
  • Put the load down and then make any necessary adjustments.

The Benefits of a Dumpster Pusher

A dumpster pusher offers your business so many great benefits. It can significantly cut down on the manpower it takes to move a dumpster. Also, you may find that the number of injuries your business reports each year will show a marked decrease. For some employers, after reviewing their workers comp claims, they discovered that a high number of injuries were due to moving dumpsters.

We’d love to know how we can help you. Contact us!

Technology is Changing the Face of Property Management

the Face of Property ManagementTimes sure have changed since the typical property management equipment consisted of little more than a mop, broom, and screwdriver. Today, software runs the show behind the scenes.

According to a recent Cre.tech article about the most successful real estate apps, 88% of property managers are using cloud-based software. Apps can handle online rent collection, tenant requests for repair, new tenant screening and applications, vacancy listings, and more.

Cre.tech highlights three property management apps with various selling points:

AppFolio, an enterprise level property management software-as-a-service

Buildium, with an owner portal packed with financial reports plus a tenant-facing portal

Cozy, a property management app aimed at landlords and small businesses

Venture funds and public offerings have injected hoards of cash into these tech companies, with the market’s most popular apps becoming extremely profitable. With costs as low as a dollar per tenant per month, this is technology that any size landlord can adopt.

Does Your Property Need More Software… or More Hardware?

The value of such apps mostly comes from small increases in efficiency thanks to reduced paperwork, streamlined rent payments, and digital record keeping.

Property management equipment can bring an immediate impact to your productivity and profits, too. A battery-powered cleaning supply cart can help condo staff do daily chores a little faster. With motorized dumpster movers, you can use one employee instead of two to handle waste collection — while also reducing the risk of worker injury claims.

DJ Products has the property management equipment solutions you need to achieve the profitability that is now possible with modern technology. Check out our WasteCaddy and other efficiency-boosting products for more info.

Mexico Hospital Holds US Citizen Hostage Over Unpaid Bills

powered housekeeping cartDespite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the United States has continued to struggle with the problem of spiraling healthcare costs. For one woman from Idaho, the issue crossed international borders and has taken on nightmare proportions.

Medical Care or Extortion?

During a vacation to Mexico with her sister-in-law, 67-year-old retired high school teacher Vikki Moormann began experiencing uncontrollable vomiting. Doctors at the Hospital San Javier Riviera Nayarit diagnosed Moormann with a urinary tract infection and the initial stages of pneumonia.

The story took a bizarre turn when Moormann claimed that the hospital wouldn’t allow her to leave until she paid her bill, which had risen to $40,000. A hospital representative denied the accusation, blaming the media and Moormann’s son Ryen for sensationalizing the situation.

The Situation Escalates

While Ryen attempted to raise the funds by setting up a GoFundMe page, Moormann was able to pay only $6,000 of the total charges. Moormann offered to make monthly payments, and her family contacted both the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Consulate, but nothing has been resolved.

In a conversation posted on his Facebook page, Ryen Moormann was told by another hospital representative that his mother would not be released until the bill was paid in full. When Fox News contacted Vikki Moormann, the phone cut in and out until they were informed that she was “busy.”

The Solution to Moving Heavy Hospital Carts

Whether your hospital cart needs are foreign or domestic, ask yourself if your employees struggle with moving hospital carts through busy hallways and tight quarters? Visit our website for information about electric tugs and pushers such as the CartCaddyLite from DJ Products.

Introducing the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler

Kayla pulling dumpsterHow many injuries do your employees have each year? Are any of those injuries related to moving heavy dumpsters on the job? If they are, then you need a solution. Moving dumpsters manually is hard work, and it puts employees and their health at risk. A dumpster puller or a great product like our WasteCaddy Trash Hauler can keep them safe. It also offers you plenty of other benefits.

Saving Time and Man Power

How would you use an extra employee? What would your employees be able to accomplish at work if they had more time? A dumpster puller could give you and your workers back some valuable time.

One customer stated that having the right equipment is, “…like having another employee on staff.” She went on to say that now, instead of needing two people to spend eight hours a week on the trash, it only takes one.

Preventing Injuries on the Job

Many on-the-job injuries are related to moving heavy dumpsters. This can get expensive for employers, plus, they also lose valuable members of their teams. Having the right equipment, such as using a WasteCaddy Trash Hauler, can prevent those injuries from occurring. This keeps businesses much more productive, and reduces costs in many areas.

Saving Money

When you save time and prevent injuries, you’re also saving money. In today’s world, that’s a big deal. Employers can avoid shelling out thousands of dollars every year because of lack of personnel and workers comp claims.

Do you have questions about the dumpster puller or the WasteCaddy Trash Hauler? We’d love to hear them and get you answers. Contact us!

DoD Contractors and the New Cyber Mandate Impacts DoD Contractor Administrations

Deposit photosIf your contract with the Department of Defense (DoD) involves processing or holding information that is considered controlled unclassified information, it’s important to become familiar with the new DoD cyber mandate. In addition to using a GSA listed supplier, you should also keep the following information on this new mandate in mind.

Restrict Access to Authorized Users Only

Only authorized individuals who are able to present the right credentials should be allowed access to sensitive information. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access that could compromise this information.

Maintain Security Awareness

Administrators, managers and others who are involved in these contracts must be aware of security risks and track access to protected data. This makes it easier to detect any unusual activity that could be considered a security risk.

Prepare for Audit Reviews and Practice Accountability

Contractors who need to stay compliant with the DoD cyber mandate should be prepared to create and maintain audit records that can be monitored and investigated as needed.

Configure the Information System

Information systems should be configured so that they provide only as much functionality as needed for different users. This helps prevent unauthorized access that allows screen sharing or screen scrapping.

Identify and Authenticate Users

Information system users must be properly identified and authenticated to help keep protected content safe from unauthorized access. Those who need to do this should use a platform that offers authentication in order to remain in compliance with the mandate.

DJ Products is a GSA listed supplier for DoD contractors. If you are among these contractors and need a GSA-approved supplier, please browse our selection of products. Our products help you save time and manpower hours, along with reducing the risk of staff injuries.

Woman Leads the Charge to Help Distribution Centers be More Carrier Friendly

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Hats Off To This Girl Boss!

Our electric yard trucks are designed to make the job of shunting trailers easier and safer for workers of any age, size and gender. One industry group has joined forces with a tech company in an effort to make warehouses and distribution centers more accommodating for all truck drivers.

Changing Attitudes About the Driver Experience

In the past, shippers gave little if any thought to improving the experience of drivers who passed through their facilities. They believed that the practice of “turn and burn,” or loading and unloading trucks as quickly as possible, was more beneficial to the bottom line.

With today’s increased demand for transportation, high rates are eating away at shippers’ profit margins. Companies are finding that making their warehouses more attractive stops can result in them becoming a “shipper of choice,” which in turn can lead to lower rates.

Making Warehouses More “Carrier-Friendly”

Ellen Voie, president and CEO of Women in Trucking (WIT), sees an opportunity to help warehouses become more “carrier-friendly.” With the help of Dan Serewicz, co-founder of Dock411, Voie is gathering data in hopes of giving shippers incentive to make their facilities more welcoming for drivers.

Dock411 is an app that lets truckers share information about shippers such as hours of operation, loading times and driver amenities. The app also includes a simple three-question survey about treatment drivers receive at specific stops. Regular reports are provided to Voie, and she and Serewicz personally contact facilities that receive negative feedback.

Move Trailers Safely and Easily with Yard Trucks from DJ Products

Do your employees spend precious time and energy shunting trailers? Let our friendly sales engineers explain how the Electric Yard Dog from DJ Products improves productivity and safety at your warehouse or distribution center.

For-Hire Truckload Freight Technology is Projected to Crash by 20% in the Next Decade

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Profit is Projected to Decrease Soon.

The freight markets for for-hire carriers are expected to begin experiencing a significant decline in the near future. It’s important to understand the reasons behind this prediction and what you should do to protect your freight business.

Cost-Cutting Measures

With a decline expected, it’s important for for-hire carriers to look into cutting costs. Products such as a powered trailer mover can help many companies reduce their expenses in terms of manpower hours and a lower risk of injuries in the workplace. Reducing costs in these areas can make it easier for companies to adjust to any declines that may occur in the near future.

Reasons Behind the Expected Freight Market Decline

Why are the freight markets expected to have a decline? Experts cite competition from Amazon, changes in agricultural practices, and the automotive industry as the main reasons that are driving the markets toward this drop.

Amazon has been moving in the direction of building an internal freight network that they can rely on for transporting products to customers. Experts also warn that Amazon could make arrangements with an airport-to-airport owner-operator network rather than relying on for-hire carriers.

The move toward indoor agriculture in urban and suburban areas is expected to lead to less demand for for-hire carriers to bring produce to these areas from rural farms.

Lower demand and a growing trend of only purchasing one car per household could also impact the freight markets when it comes to transporting automobiles. This could end up resulting in a dramatic decline for for-hire carriers who transport vehicles.

If your warehouse needs a powered trailer mover or similar products, please contact DJ Products. Our company carries several high-quality products for warehouse owners.

Dumpster Tips: When Is a Dumpster a Better Solution than a Trash Compactor?

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When to Know When to Make the Right Decision

Having a place to keep garbage is essential for businesses of all kinds, but what type of trash storage does your company need? Whether your company would do better with a dumpster or trash compactor depends on a few different factors. Keep the following in mind when you need to choose the right trash storage for your business.

Company Budget

The amount of money in your budget is another factor to consider. Keep in mind that you’ll need to include the cost of dumpster moving equipment in your budget if you decide to go with a dumpster. Trash compactors can help you save money, since they don’t need to be emptied as often.

Amount of Garbage

The amount of garbage your company produces on a regular basis is one of the most important factors to consider. Companies that produce smaller or moderate amounts of garbage can use a dumpster to hold it until a local waste hauler empties it, which usually happens once a week or every other week. Companies that produce large amounts of garbage on a regular basis should look into getting a trash compactor. Trash compactors are able to hold more, since they compress the garbage inside them each time they’re filled.

Pest Concerns

If your property has problems with rats, mice, cockroaches or other pests, then you might be better off with a trash compactor. These tend to have tighter seals compared to dumpsters, which helps prevent pests from getting inside.

If you’re interested in dumpster moving equipment for your business, please visit DJ Products. We carry a wide selection of high-quality equipment that can help your business reduce the risk of injuries, save time and cut down on manpower hours.